The Focke-Wulf
D-9 "Dora" was probably the finest piston-engined fighter
used operationally in significant numbers by the Luftwaffe.
Though initially conceived as a stop-gap measure until the Ta-152 could
be introduced, the D-9 permitted the German fighter arm to achieve a level
of parity with the later variants of such superb Allied fighters as the
Mustang, Thunderbolt, Spitfire and Tempest. Though over 700 aircraft
were completed, the decline in the quality of Luftwaffe pilot
training during the last year of the war handicapped the effectiveness
of this potent weapon.

The first two
subjects of this decal package are rare and colorful birds indeed!
Both Rote (Red) 13 and Schwarze (Black) 1 represent two
of the five Focke-Wulf Doras known to have been assigned to the
Papagei Staffel of Generalleutnant Adolph Galland's
Jagdverband 44. The intended role of this small unit was
to defend the airspace above JV 44's operational base at München-Reim
(and possibly later Salzburg-Maxglan) during the take-off and landing
of the Me 262 jets, when they were most vulnerable to Allied fighter attack.
The extensive deployment of flak units around the airfield and its approaches
necessitated the painting of the D-9s' undersides in a dark color with
narrow white longitudinal stripes, such that they not be mistaken for
Allied aircraft which regularly prowled the airfields. These Doras
also displayed unique unit and personal markings, which further enhances
their appeal to the modeler and enthusiast alike.

The third subject
aircraft is Schwarze (Black) 12, of 6.Staffel, II./JG 6, which
was surrendered to U.S. forces at Fürth, near Nürnberg, on May 8th, 1945.
This aircraft is well-known, having been photographed in color and illustrated
in several fine publications. However, a re-evaluation of this photograph
in conjunction with many additional, though unpublished, black and white
prints of this aircraft, has permitted a more accurate and complete portrait
of this Dora to be assembled, and sheds additional light on late-war
production practices.

ONLINE
EXCLUSIVE: PRODUCT PREVIEW

For
purposes of better acquainting the online reader with this product, we
have included a summary for one of these these three Doras, in
this case, Rote 13. Note: important bibliographic details
and specific references to tables, figures and illustrations have been
omitted for online publication.

ROTE
13 - WNr. 400240: Papagei Staffel, JV 44

This
aircraft was photographed on or about the 5th of May, 1945, being discovered
amongst a group of abandoned aircraft scattered about the western end
of the aerodrome at Ainring, about 5 km northwest of Salzburg. Though
limited to one photograph, detailed enhancements from the original image
plus interviews with the former pilot, permit a reasonably accurate portrait
of this aircraft to be composed. However, until such time as additional
photographs of this subject become available, the interpretation of the
starboard, upper, and lower surface camouflage and markings must remain
tentative.

Pilot
and Aircraft Background

The pilot of this
aircraft has been identified as Hptm. Klaus Faber, a former member
of JG 27, JG 6 and JV 44. At the time of Jagdverband 44's work-up
period, Hptm.Faber was attached to Stab./JG 6 at Oberschiesien. In early
April 1945, he was ordered to report to Generalleutnant Galland
at München-Riem. He flew to Pilsen, turned in his Bf 109 and proceeded
to Regensberg where he took possession of a Fw 190 D-9. Hptm. Faber
reached his posting by the middle of the month and joined the Papagei
Staffel.

Hptm. Faber
indicated that few missions were flow by the Staffel during its
brief two weeks at München-Riem. Jagdverband 44 was soon forced
to flee to Salzburg-Maxglan and Innsbruck on or about the 29th-30th April.
The remaining (two?) Doras of the Papagei Staffel were stationed
at Ainring, a few kilometers west of the former location, though only
one or two operational missions were believed to have been flown from
there.

It appears that Jagdverband
44's last victory may have been scored by Hptm. Faber while
flying Rote 13, who claimed a P-47 shot down over Bad Abling while
on a flight to pick up some whiskey! This victory is purported to
have occurred on May 4th, one day after JV 44's Me 262's were blown up
in the face of the U.S. 3rd. Armored Division at Salzburg­Maxglan. We
so far have been unable to confirm this claim against U.S. 9th Tactical
Air Force losses listings, though other sources have yet to be reviewed.

Camouflage

The most common camouflage
scheme observed on the D-9 was the 75/83/76 combination, with a fuselage
mottle of Braunviolett 81, DunkeIgrün 83 and perhaps Grauviolett
75. Photographic documentation in both color and black and white of
a D-9 which was painted in this manner (Schwarze 4, WNr. 211193),
were compared with the photograph of Rote 13. A virtually
identical match in the tonal values for the grays is evident in black
and white photographs of the two aircraft. The fuselage mottling
is somewhat denser on Rote 13, and it appears that a previous tactical
number has been over-painted, probably in the lighter Grauviolett
75.

It is believed that
Rote 13 was most probably painted in the same 75/81/83/76 scheme,
though little is visible of Rote 13's upper wing surface camouflage
pattern. We believe that its pattern was probably similar to that
seen on other Doras from the 400000-series Werknummer block.
Such an example is illustrated in three photographs of a wrecked JG 2
D-9 from II./JG 2, and thus by using this data a reasonable outline of
Rote 13's camouflage pattern can be delineated.

National
and Tactical Markings

The national markings
applied to Rote 13 reveal evidence for both field and factory application.
The black Hakenkreuze on the tail are the stand factory-applied
H3 (420 mm) style. The upper wing Balkenkreuze, though not
visible on the photograph, were most probably the same as the JG 2 aircraft
mentioned above, ie; the white B6 type. The lower wing Balkenkreuze
are the black and white B3 (800 mm) style, being just visible in enlargements
made from the original photograph.

The fuselage marking
appears freshly-painted, and its style and position is rarely seen in
photographs of Doras outside of this unit. It is very probable
that these markings were field-applied so to enhance the aircraft's recognition
to the ground-based flak units that surrounded jet airfields.

The red and white
colors of this aircraft's unit code number (Staffelkennziffer)
were confirmed by its pilot. Hptm. Faber indicated that several
of his JG 27 aircraft also carried this number, and believed that the
other Papagei pilots most probably chose their own numbers and
colors, no doubt reflecting similar attachments to former mounts.

Click on image to enlarge

Click on image to enlarge

Servicing,
Maintenance and Other Stencils

The rather
worn appearance of this aircraft suggests that all but the most essential
stencils were probably over-painted or rubbed off. It is useful
to note that an enhancement of the original photograph of Rote 13 reveals
markings indicative of the MW 50 powerboost system. Technically,
aircraft fitted with this system would have been driven by the slightly
narrower VS 9 propeller, though it cannot be determined if this aircraft
was so fitted. However, given the intended role of this aircraft,
the MW 50 attribute would have been a necessary prerequisite, if, of course
such fuel were available.

An enhancement of
the tail from the original photograph reveals that Rote 13's Werknummer
is most likely 400240. No references to this aircraft have been
encountered in any known losses listings or other datasets. Therefore,
it is believed that WNr. 400240 is valid for this particular aircraft,
making it the fortieth example from the first production series assembled
by AradoatitsWarnemündefacilities.

Click on image to enlarge

Official documentation
and photographs of other Doras taken during the last months of
the war reveal aircraft with "early production batch" characteristics
('flat' hood, large-size fuselage markings and the 75183176 scheme) were
not strictly limited to the 200000-series. Indeed, unpublished independent
research by Beaman, Sheflin, and others indicates that, not surprisingly,
each manufacturer also had its own subtle though distinctive application
style for camouflage colors and national markings.

Unit
Markings and Personal Regalia

The most distinguishing
feature of Rote 13 was the painting of its undersides in red, with
10 cm wide white longitudinal stripes, though only portions of these markings
are visible on the photograph. As stated above, these markings, and the
enhancement of fuselage national insignia, were primarily applied for
flak recognition purposes, though they would also have been most useful
for personal recognition between Staffel aircraft when airborne.
The markings applied to Rote 13 were probably quite similar to
those applied to the well-documented Schwarze 1 but varied in color
and other details. It appears that all Staffel aircraft were
similarly painted at the same time, most likely at München-Reim.

The color of Rote
13's spinner was most likely white with the rear half in Schwarzgrün
70. The propeller was probably DunkeIgrün 71. A detailed comparative
study of the photograph of Rote 13, and the Papagei Dora in
the background of the pilot group photographs, indicates that they are
two different aircraft. However, these photographs well illustrate
the lower surface markings and the hastiness of their application.

The most interesting
markings on this aircraft and others of the Papagei Staffel are
the personal ones painted under the cockpit on the port side of the aircraft,
consisting of an encircled crest and an inscription. The former is the
most controversial. it is a four-quartered square crest in black and white
with the darker color in the second and third quarters, and is encircled
by a red ring. The ring's color matches that of the aircraft's tactical
number, though the pilot could not recall its significance. Five
possible interpretations regarding the crest's origins and significance
were considered: 1) a Luftwaffe command or tactical insignia, 2) an aviation-related
badge, 3) a family town or other type of heraldic crest, 4) a new crest
designed for the Papagei Staffel, or 5) a crest representative
of airfield/factory protection units (Platzschutzstaffeln).

Initially,
it was thought that the crest could be a
variation of a Luftwaffe command insignia. Examples of such regalia
are known though are restricted to the uppermost echelons of the Luftwaffe
command structure. The Kommandoflagge des Chefs Elner Luftilotte
is similar in design and colors to the Papagei crest, though
here the four-quartered crest is framed, not encircled, in red, and has
black in the first and fourth quarters with an eagle centered on the crest.
This insignia is observed on a Do 217 J-1, which was assigned to the Luftwaffe
Befeishaber Mitte (Luftwaffe Commander Central), and was believed
to have been the personal aircraft of Gen.Maj. Joseph Kammhuber.
No documentary evidence, however, could be located regarding the use of
a similar such marking for aircraft at the Staffel level.

The second theory
is that the crest represents the qualification badge worn awarded to German
aerial observers during the Great War. The badge is similar in appearance
to the above crest, but without the eagle. No relationship could be established
between the badge and the unit or pilots.

The third interpretation
considers the crest as having a heraldic origin. Only one near match was
found, with the aircraft's black and white crest perhaps being a variation
of the black and silver von Hohenzollern royal family coat of arms. Again,
no relationship was discovered between the von Hohenzollern and any of
the known pilots.

The fourth possibility
has a more oblique origin though with a humorous connotation. A photograph
of a damaged Bf 109 in Sweden shows a black and white chequerboard flag
attached to a propeller blade, which indicated a non-movable aircraft.
Though very similar to the crest, the black squares of the flag are reversed,
being in the first and fourth quarters. Another photograph, this time
taken in Germany, illustrates a disassembled and obviously non-movable
Me 262 with a small black and white (or red and yellow?) four-quartered
chequerboard on a metal pole stuck into the ground immediately adjacent
to the aircraft. The association of these very similar markings with wrecked
or disabled aircraft would strongly imply that they have the same meaning.

It is speculated that
perhaps the Staffelkapltan, Hptm. Waldemar Wubke, being an acknowledged
joker and wag, or "Spaßvogel" might have selected or
adopted this symbol as the Staffel crest. His reasoning might have
been that compared to the speed of the jets they were to defend, the D-9s
would appear stationary or 'non-movable'. This could also have a double
meaning in that once the Papagei Staffel was in the air, they would
be 'unmovable' until they had ensured the safe take-offs and landings
of their Me 262 charges. Although relying on a certain degree of conjecturism,
given the times and the players, this hypothesis is plausible.

The final interpretation
of the crest's significance is based on information from Rote 13's
former pilot. In an interview with Crandall (1988), Hptm. Faber
stated that when he took possession of his D-9 at the Obertraubling airfield,
he was informed that this aircraft was being used for local defense for
the nearby Messerschmitt factory at Regensberg. He was quite certain that
the black and white crest was on the aircraft prior to him receiving it,
and that the red ring was later applied as an accoutrement to the crest
at the time of the painting of the code number '13'. From the freshly-painted
appearance of the crest, it is quite possible that it was applied immediately
prior to its assignment to Faber once it was determined what its intended
role was to be. However, as mentioned above, Hptm. Faber could
not recall the crest's significance.

Documentary and photographic
evidence suggest that the eight Me 262s of the factory protection units
Industrie Selbstschutzschwärme 1 and 2, based at Lechfeld and Schwabische-Hall
respectively, displayed a dark blue and bright green (24125) chequerboard
tail band. A close examination of photographs in the above references
of an ISS 1 aircraft, Gelbe (Yellow) 5, suggests that part of the
tail band may be composed of Dunkelblau 24 squares alternating
with the background camouflage color(s), though Grün 25 must have
been used on the undersides. Unpublished photographs via J. V. Crow of
the starboard side of Gelbe 5 suggest that here the tail band was
a solid dark blue, though perhaps this merely represents an incomplete
repainting of the tail band interrupted by its capture.

There is photographic
evidence of other similarly-marked Me 262s from other as yet unidentified
units. Three examples are known; two of these aircraft display a very
large four-quartered black and white chequerboard painted beneath the
horizontal stabilizers, with black in the first and fourth quarters. The
third aircraft, coded Rote 3 (Werknummer unknown), has a
chequerboard tail band identical to Gelbe 5's, though in this case
appears to be black and white, the white squares being slightly muted
with a light overspray of a darker camouflage color.

Considered together,
we believe that the various styles of chequerboard tail markings, as applied
to Me 262's and other aircraft, may well have been recognized factory
defense markings. If so, then it appears that there are other unknown
or unrecognized Industrie Selbstschutzschwärme units of which documentation
has yet to be discovered. The marking on Rote 13 could well
be a local variation of these and perhaps is representative of an airfield
protection unit, or Platzschutzstaffel. Until such time when more
data becomes available, this interpretation is the most reasonable, having
both documentary and photographic support. The fourth option warrants
some consideration, though is entirely circumstantial and speculative.

Finally, the most
personal marking on Rote 13 is the white-painted inscription beneath
the cockpit, which was applied at about the same time as the red underside
colors, code number, and ring. The hasty application of the inscription
is obvious, as evidenced by the different sizes of the words in each line,
and the lack of consistency in the style of lettering. In the original
photograph the words are still discernable, and in colloquial German read
"Rein muß er und wenn sie beide weinen!" ("He must
get in even if they both cry!"). The relevance of this expression
will not be examined here, but will be left for the reader's private reflection!